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“It’s okay,” she said, though she wasn’t sure if he was apologizing for almost kissing her or not kissing her.

She blinked, gently pulling her hand from his as she drew back. “I’m sorry, too,” she said. “That would definitely be against the rules…”

Her words faded away as he shook his head.

“I’m not apologizin’ for nearly breakin’ the rules,” he said, pulling his eyebrows together. “I’m beggin’ forgiveness for nearly kissin’ you in me mammy’s loo…while you’re wearin’ me mammy’s pinny.”

She looked down at the apron, then around her in the bathroom, as if only now just realizing what had nearly happened and where. A small laugh bubbled up inside of her.

“Least romantic place ever,” he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. “You just had me flustered, what with all your starin’.”

“I wasn’t staring,” she lied, still distracted with his words.

He hadn’t apologized for almost kissing her, then. Did that mean he’d try again somewhere more romantic?

“Oh, aye. Then I’m not starin’ now,” he countered.

His eyes delved into hers, so much so that she wanted to jump toward him and demand a kiss in his mom’s bathroom.

Fortunately, he looked away, apparently determined to not allow anything to happen now. “Let’s get you back to the kitchen ’fore me ma comes in search o’ you. She’ll tell me off for keepin’ you.”

Maisie nodded, disappointed at the notion of not having Finn’s attention solely on herself again, but she felt instantly better when he took her hand and secured it in his own, holding it the entire way down the stairs and into the kitchen, until Niamh assigned Maisie to her next task—Finn’s grandma having finally been escorted out of the kitchen.

Maisie didn’t know if Niamh noticed her bandage or not, but she didn’t mention it as she and Maisie worked together to finish the stew—even though Maisie’s thoughts were focused solely on Finn and the hope that just because the bathroom hadn’t been romantic enough, they’d find someplace that was.

The traditional stew and wheaten bread turned out to be one of the most delicious meals of Maisie’s life. As the large group of friends and family crowded around in the small front room hours later, compliments abounded for Niamh’s and Maisie’s work until the final bowl had been polished clean.

Along with the incredible food, Maisie had heartily enjoyed the conversation. Finn’s friends were as hilarious to listen to today as they had been the night before, and his grandparents were a crack-up, even if she could hardly understand a single word they said.

Before long, the evening wound down, and the clouds parted for a moment to allow a shaft of golden light to beam through the front window of the home, brightening the space with warmth.

Maisie glanced out the window, the curtains having been pulled back to reveal the dark clouds behind the sunshine. But just beyond the thick trees across the street shone a glowing double rainbow above the sea

“We’ve got to see that one up close,” Finn said, leaning toward her as he saw the rainbow himself. “Fancy a wee dander to work off that food?”

He winked, and Maisie nodded, standing with Finn as he told his family where they were headed.

“Oh, now that sounds lovely,” Cedric said, moving to stand, as well. “You wouldn’t mind if I joined you, would you, Finn?”

Finn walked straight past him, nudging him with his shoulder so Cedric fell back against the couch and into Graham, both men laughing.

“I would mind very much, thank you,” Finn said, then he motioned Maisie to precede him from the room.

The group laughed again, Cedric more than anyone.

“Eejit,” Finn mumbled light-heartedly, snagging a few Fifteens on his way out, then he and Maisie left the room to don their rain jackets and shoes before stepping out into the nippy air.

“How are you holdin’ up with me mad family?” Finn asked as they walked down the sidewalk.

“They’re amazing,” she said sincerely, tucking her hands into her coat pockets to ward off the cold air biting at her fingers. “So welcoming and friendly. And that stew was everything.”

“I did tell you it would be.”

They continued on their way, munching on Fifteens and weaving through alleys and across streets before reaching the sea. The rainbow had long since disappeared, though she’d hardly noticed as they meandered across the firm sand alongside the retreating tide.

Their conversation lingered around his family, how fortunate he’d been to grow up this close to the sea, and how his friends were a riot to be around, but no mention of his conversation with his dad returned.

Maisie was tempted again to bring it up, but she wanted to respect his privacy, so she set it aside again, instead dwelling on the here-and-now—and most definitely trying not to think of how much more romantic a walk on the beach was than standing in a bathroom.